Utility box



May14, 1929. 1,713,495

UTILITY Box Filed Aug. 25, 1926 WITNESSES it INVENTOR:

5 if B Fred M hvdeQJr,

i5 :15, ATTORNEYS.

Patented May 14, 1929.

UNITED STATES ram) WEINDEL, JB.,'OF 'ALLENTOWN,-PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO L. r. amuse 8; sons, me, or ALLENTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA, A eonroas'nou or MARYLAND.

.UTILI'IY Box.

Application med August 25, 1926.- Serial no.,is1,s a4.

This invention relates to containers or boxes, more particularlyto the ornamental type with hinged lids ordinarily known as cases, candy boxes, humidors, etc.

I In connection with boxes of the kind referred to, I aim to simulate the appearance of sturdy metallic construct-ion without actual sole use of metal in their fabrication thereby to render them extremely light et amplydurable for the uses intended. Tiis end I attain by employing for the body of the box, a foundation frame fashioned from suitable light weight material such as wood,

utility boxes adaptable for use as jewelry vfibre or composition, lining the interior with fabric or very thinmetal (depending upon the use for which the box is ultimately intended), and sheathing the frame sides exteriorly with comparatively heaviersheet metal, as well as by'constructing the lidfor the boxalong generally similar lines. The invention is characterized by the simplicity and effectiveness of the means by which the various elements of the composite box are I held together in their proper relationship.

Further objects of my invention are to secure in a box constructed as outlined, air and moisture tightness not only in the box proper, but along the meeting plane between the latter and the lid; and in general, to provide a utility box that is ornate, highly attractive, and conducive to very economical manufacture.

In the drawings herewith, Fig. I is a perspective view of my improved utility box.

Fig. II is a longitudinal sectional view of the same.

Fig. III is a transverse section designated by the arrows IIIIII in Fig. II; and

Fig. IV is a fragmentary detail sectional view showing the construction at the box corners.

With more detailed reference to these illus teriorly with sheet material 11 which may be either fabric,likeplush for 'ewelrycases .or very thin metal such as tin or candyboxes. in either case,the margins of the lining 11 are brought over the exposed top edges of the foundation frame 5 to envelopthe same and partially overlap the sides fj, 7, 8 and 9 at the exterioras shown at 12-12 in Figs. II

and'III. '1 next apply the outside metal sheathing which may be either in one piece bent to rectangular shape; or mayconsist of separate plates 13. In the latter event, I preferably employ corner angle pieces 14 to overlap contiguous ed plates 13 and securet e several parts together by fastening means such as nails or screws shown at 15, see F i IV more particularly. It will be especially noted from the drawings that the width of the sheathing plates 13 correspondsto that of the frame des (i -9 so that the lapping areas 12 of the interior lining 11 are concealed upon completion of the box. When fabric is used for the lining, the same is preferably secured by gluing. .With a lining of sheet metal, tacks 16 (Figs. II and III) through the lapping areas into the frame 5 may be relied upon as a convenient means to prevent subsequent displacement of such lining. It will be apparent, however, that the exterior sheathing 13 is capable of holding the inner lining 11 in place without the use of additional fastening means such as the tacks 16. In like manner the corner angles 14 are adapted to hold the exterior sheathing 13 firmly against the frame. Thus, in effect, the corner pieces 14 are functional to hold both the inner and V outer coverings in place, and the only visible fastening means are the nails 15 which pierce the corner pieces. When the box is intended for use as a humidor for cigars or-cigarettes the foundation frame 5 may be constructed from cedar wood or other material having preservative qualities, and left unlined interiorly.

In constructing the box lid L, I employ a foundation board 20, which, like the foundation frame 5, may be of wood fibre or composition; and for the purposes of ornamentathe edges as shown and made to dimensions determining a certain amount of overlap beyond the confines of the box proper B. With es of the sheathing tion, said board is preferably beveled along 7 the foundation board suitably prepared as described, I apply a covering 21 to its lower face of material corresponding to the lining used in the box proper B, allowing ample marginal projection to envelop the board 7 edges and partially overlap the top face thereof as at 2222. An outer covering 23 of sheet metal is thereupon applied to the foundation board 20 and its margins bent around the board edges as at 24c24: to overlap, and thus assist retainment of the under covering 21.

edge of the box proper; and suitable means, for example, a hasp 26 and eye 27, may be used to fasten down the free edge of the lid.

With a foundationframe and foundation board of the proportionate thicknesses shown, the completed box resembles one of heavy and massive construction and 1s hlgh- 'ly pleasing to the eye, though very light in actual weightfln practice, the ornamental appearance may be heightened by figurative designs, etched or otherwise impressed on the external sheathing, symbolizing the use for which the box is intended.

While I have herein referred to my invention as a utility box, it will be apparent that the novel structural features may be embodied, with advantages equal to those pointed out, in boxes or containers for other purposes.

As an alternative in the method of construction, I may apply the lining material separately to the sides 6, 7, 8 9 and bottom 10 preparatory to incorporation of these parts into the foundation frame, thereby greatly facilitating assembling in some instancesat a substantial saving in labor costs.

metal concealing the lapping areas of the inner lining, corner angles overlapping the contiguous edges of the exterior sheathing, and fastening means through said. corner angles whereby said corner angles are effective to hold the exterior sheathing and inner lining firmly in place without the employment of additional fastening means;

2. A box of the character described, comprising a frame having side walls, a bottom and a lid, an inner lining of sheet metal with margins overlapping the exposed frame edges of the sides and lid, an exterior sheathing of metal concealing the overlapped areas of the inner lining and partially overlapping the bottom face covering of the lid at its edges, and corner angles for holding the side sheathing in place.

In testimony whereof, Ifhave hereunto signed my name at Allentown, Pennsylvania, this nineteenth day of August, 1926.

FRED WEINDEL, JR. 

